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Costing the Earth

Factual: Science & Nature: Nature & Environment

Fresh ideas from the sharpest minds working toward a cleaner, greener planet

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Costing the Earth: Reds Return

Reds Return

07/04/2015

BBC Radio 4 - Costing the Earth, Reds Return

Could the revival of the pine marten be bad news for grey squirrels and good for the reds?

Could the return of the pine marten mean the end of the grey squirrel takeover and the revival of the Reds? Tom Heap examines emerging evidence in Ireland and Scotland.

Could the return of the Pine Marten mean the end of the Grey Squirrel takeover? 

Tom Heap examines emerging evidence that where Pine Marten populations are healthy, Grey Squirrel numbers crash and native Red Squirrels increase. 

Tom meets the researchers who found the connection in Ireland, and who are now investigating whether it's also happening in Scotland. 

The Pine Marten is itself recovering from years of persecution and is still only found in tiny pockets of England and Wales. If the Pine Marten really is the saviour of the Red Squirrel there could be an added incentive for its reintroduction.

Presenter: Tom Heap
Producer: Sarah Swadling.

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